Recently the MTA has proclaimed that the absolutely essential LIRR Mainline "Third Track" has been shelved but remains a priority and a vital part of the East Side Access project. Does this mean that East Side Access will be completed without alleviating the "Jamaica crawl" and the so-called mainline corridor bottleneck? What about the elimination of at-grade crossings, specifically New Hyde Park Road?

As we've all known all along, there is no direct link between the construction of a third track and at-grade crossing elimination. Take a look at the Roslyn Road crossing project. Either project can be done independent of the other. But some at the MTA have said that there would be no at-grade crossing elimination without the construction of a third track. It is interesting that at-grade crossing elimination was not even mentioned by MTA officials in the announcement of the shelving of the third track. What is the MTA's current position on at-grade crossing elimination, specifically the elimination of the dangerous New Hyde Park Road crossing?

New Hyde Park Road is the only full north-south truck route in the western part of Nassau County. There is a dangerous left-hand turn just south of the crossing causing cars and trucks to stop on the tracks. Almost 19,000 cars and trucks interact with more than 260 trains each day. The NYS Dept. of Transportation has at least $80 million dedicated to at-grade crossing elimination. The LIRR also has funds set aside for its part in eliminating an at-grade crossing. A Federal Transit Administration approved "Quiet Zone" can be created, silencing train horns, for the remaining at-grade crossings at minimal cost and no property takings.

Everyone is on notice of the dangers of the New Hyde Park Road crossing, including MTA LIRR who has the crossing under video and stepped up police patrol surveillance. The New Hyde Park Road at-grade crossing must be eliminated regardless of the MTA's recently proclaimed "reordering of priorities." You can't reorder safety.

Edward W. Powers

New Hyde Park